Page 23 of Honey Heat
It had been that way since his mom died. Boone had clung tighter, almost like if he let Ethan go, even a little bit, he’d lose him, too.
“I need a moment.” Boone walked to his truck and pulled out a backpack. He returned, handing it to Ethan. “I’ll be back.”
Ethan’s heart broke as he watched his dad pull away, not once meeting his eyes.
* * * *
Boone pulled off to the shoulder as soon as he crossed the border into bear territory. He hadn’t handled that very well. He could admit that much. But there was an internal war waging inside of him.
He loved Ethan, loved him with everything he had, the way any father should. But seeing Ethan with Lucio felt like he was losing his cub. After Camella died, Boone’s need to protect Ethan had warped into something closer to a stranglehold. Over the years, as Ethan got older, that instinct hadn’t faded. It had only gotten tighter, until now.
Honestly, it was a miracle Ethan was even alive. The rescue team had found Camella’s car, washed up on a muddy bank. His wife was gone, drowned. But his cub had survived. Ethan in the back seat, arms around his mother, sobbing so hard his little body shook.
Boone slammed his fist against the steering wheel. He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing the memory back where it belonged. He couldn’t abandon Ethan. He wouldn’t. Not when his son still needed him. So he’d do it. He’d step back, give Ethan space, let him bond with Lucio. Maybe that was what Ethan needed.
But if that wolf hurt Ethan in any way, failed to protect the only person on earth that mattered to Boone, he’d tear the wolf’s spine right out of him.
Chapter Seven
The drive back to his house was mostly silent. Ethan stared out the window, clutching the backpack his father had given him like it contained the last remnants of his family connection.
Lucio kept stealing glances at his mate, taking in the tight line of his jaw, the way his eyes tracked the passing scenery without really seeing it.
“You okay, osito?” he asked, reaching across to squeeze Ethan’s knee gently.
“Not really,” Ethan finally said as they pulled into Lucio’s driveway. The modest single-story home with its dark blue trim and well-kept yard sat nestled among tall pines, the afternoon sun dappling through branches onto the weathered porch. “He’s never walked away like that before.”
Lucio killed the engine, turning to face his mate. “He’ll be back, osito. He’s just processing.”
“Processing what? That I’m not a child anymore?” Ethan’s voice cracked slightly. “That I found my mate without his permission?”
“That he has to share you now.” Lucio reached out, brushing his thumb across Ethan’s cheek. “It’s not easy for parents to let go.”
Ethan leaned into the touch, his eyes closing briefly. “I know he’s overprotective, but this...”
“Come on.” Lucio squeezed his mate’s hand gently. “Let’s get you inside and settled. It’s not much, but there’s plenty of room for both of us.”
Before Ethan could protest, Lucio was out of the truck and around to the passenger side, opening the door and carefully helping his mate down.
“I can manage,” Ethan insisted, though he leaned heavily against Lucio’s side.
“Humor me.” Lucio offered his arm for support. After a moment’s hesitation, Ethan accepted the help, leaning against him as they walked to the front door.
Inside, the house was clean but lived-in. The living room featured a comfortable sectional facing a TV, which was mounted on the wall, with a coffee table littered with computer parts and tools. Books filled the shelves along one wall, while framed photos sat on the mantel above a small fireplace.
“Make yourself at home,” Lucio said. “Bathroom’s down the hall on the right if you need it. Bedroom’s next to it. Kitchen's through there.”
He pointed to an archway, where Ethan saw modern appliances but nothing fancy.
Ethan sat on the couch, fidgeting with the zipper of his backpack. He glanced up, meeting Lucio’s eyes. “Thank you. For everything.”
“De nada, cariño.” Lucio sat beside him. “I know this isn’t how you expected things to go with your dad.”
“That’s an understatement.” Ethan’s laugh held no humor. “I’ve never seen him just... leave like that.”
“He’ll be back,” Lucio assured him, though he wasn’t entirely certain. “He just needs time.”
Ethan set the backpack aside and was staring at a framed photo on the end table. It showed a younger Lucio with his arm around a smiling teenage girl.
